Missouri’s Largest Investor-Owned Solar Energy Center to Shine in O’Fallon
In a significant move toward renewable energy, Ameren Missouri announced plans to construct the state’s largest investor-owned solar energy center in O’Fallon. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to diversifying energy sources and embracing sustainable solutions.
Project Overview
The O’Fallon Renewable Energy Center is set to generate 5.7 megawatts (MW) of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 650 average-sized homes in the St. Louis area. The facility will feature over 19,000 solar panels spread across 19 acres adjacent to Ameren Missouri’s Belleau substation in St. Charles County. Construction is scheduled to commence in April, pending final design and permitting, with the center expected to be operational by December 2014.
Economic and Environmental Impact
Beyond providing clean energy, the project is anticipated to create 50 to 70 construction jobs, offering a boost to the local economy. Ameren Missouri’s initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental stewardship.
They are building the largest investor-owned solar energy center in Missouri history. That’s because Ameren Missouri is committed to powering the quality of life. Especially for their customers with cleaner energy derived from a diverse mix of energy sources. Especially and also including renewables. That was said by Warner Baxter. Warner is the president and CEO of Ameren Missouri.
A Legacy of Renewable Energy
Ameren Missouri’s dedication to renewable energy dates back over a century. I mean beginning with the opening of its first hydroelectric energy center in 1913. In 2012, the company launched the Maryland Heights Renewable Energy Center. It’s one of the nation’s largest facilities. So they are converting landfill gas into energy. Thats exceptionally good because the off gassing of emissions from landfills can be astonishing. Additionally, Ameren has supported 1,800 residential and commercial solar installations. That’s most notably through rebates and incentives over the past three years.
In 2010, Ameren installed approximately 100 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic technologies on the roof of its St. Louis headquarters. This installation served as a research initiative. Essentially to gather performance data and educate customers considering solar energy solutions.
“Thanks to this research, we were able to verify the effectiveness of the technological and operational aspects of a solar project which helped to make this new project possible,” said Bill Barbieri, director of renewable strategy policy and generation for Ameren Missouri.
Community Support
The city of O’Fallon has expressed strong support for the project. Mayor Bill Hennessy stated he’s excited that Ameren Missouri has decided to locate its solar energy center in his community. Because O’Fallon is proud of its reputation as a green community. The O’Fallon Renewable Energy Center will also be an excellent complement to our city’s environmental focus and will be a welcome boost to our economy. Especially with the construction jobs it will create.
Looking Ahead
Finally, the O’Fallon Renewable Energy Center represents a significant step forward. Especially in Missouri’s journey essentially toward a more sustainable energy future. By investing in large-scale solar power, Ameren Missouri is diversifying its energy portfolio. In addition, it’s also setting a precedent for other utilities in the region. The project also exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive progress in renewable energy adoption. Therefore, they are most certainly benefiting both the environment and the economy.
SOURCE Ameren Missouri , ST. LOUIS, Jan. 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ –
